1 -- Hammer away: The Bengals ran over the Chargers last month. Why not try to do it again? Salting away the 17-10 victory in San Diego, the Bengals mushed the ball up the field. Their blockers created openings, and running backs Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus-Green Ellis found the creases.

The Chargers were without two defensive starters who will play Sunday, Jarret Johnson and Melvin Ingram. The Bengals' line, meantime, is less healthy than last time. And tight end Alex Smith, a good blocker, was lost to a season-ending injury last Sunday. Still, the Stripes aren't likely to finesse their way to victory.

2 -- Go Green: The Chargers, like many teams, lack a defender who matches up well with Bengals receiver A.J. Green. Against the Chargers, Green lined up in different spots, making it harder to key on him. Confused, the Chargers let Green run free from the slot for an easy touchdown pass. Another time, lined up outside, he eluded Shareece Wright's press coverage and hauled in a 28-yard pass.

If the Chargers shade a safety toward Green, other Bengals receivers need to win in one-on-one coverage. Andrew Hawkins is worth a try. He is shifty and explosive.

3 -- Support Dalton: Not all of the 20 interceptions thrown by Andy Dalton this season were the quarterback's fault. Communication snafus between Dalton and his pass-catchers led to some of the pickoffs. Dalton is under enormous pressure to play well. He is 0-2 in the playoffs, struggling mightily in each game. It's often said and written that Dalton isn't good enough to take the Bengals to a Super Bowl. In truth, Dalton is among the most limited quarterbacks in the postseason. His hot streaks, though, are impressive. Getting him off to a fast start could be a big lift to him.